Jean Tomlin

Jean Tomlin OBE is a highly respected business leader and consultant, known for her work in human resources, diversity, and organisational transformation. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Chanzo Ltd, a consultancy that specialises in operational delivery, international recruitment, and workforce management, particularly within major events and the sports industry. Jean speaks passionately about leadership, workforce diversity, and racial equality, drawing on her extensive experience in mobilising inclusive teams on a global scale. Her ability to address issues of racial equity with authenticity and insight makes her a sought-after speaker for organisations seeking to foster inclusive workplaces and develop effective leadership strategies.

Jean’s career began at the Ford Motor Company as a graduate trainee in 1977, where she worked in personnel, training, and labour relations. This early exposure to the intricacies of workforce management paved the way for a series of senior roles. After 15 years at Prudential plc, she was appointed Operations and Sales Director at Prudential Direct, followed by a role as HR Director and founding member of Egg plc, a pioneering online bank. Her career trajectory continued upwards when she joined Marks & Spencer plc as Group HR Director, where she was responsible for shaping and leading the organisation’s people strategy. Jean’s early career demonstrates her ability to navigate complex industries, break new ground, and champion diversity long before it became mainstream.

In recent years, Jean played a pivotal role as Director of HR, Workforce and Accreditation for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. She was responsible for recruiting and managing the UK’s largest peacetime workforce, including 70,000 ‘Games Makers’ volunteers. Jean currently serves as a Non-Executive Director on the boards of Capri Holdings Limited, Sainsbury’s, and Hakluyt & Company, where she chairs key committees focused on governance, corporate responsibility, and talent development. In recognition of her achievements, she was awarded an OBE in 2013 for Services to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Jean is hired by organisations looking for an inspirational voice on leadership and racial equality. She offers a unique combination of board-level experience, operational expertise, and a proven commitment to driving diversity and inclusion. Audiences are drawn to her insightful reflections on race and equality in the workplace, as well as her practical strategies for creating inclusive, high-performing teams.